Job 28:28

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Certainly! Let’s do a Bible study on Job 28:28 in the King James Version (KJV) translation:

This verse is found in the book of Job, which is known for its exploration of the problem of human suffering and the nature of God’s sovereignty. Job 28 is a chapter that focuses on the search for wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the limits of human knowledge compared to God’s wisdom.

In Job 28:28, we find the conclusion of Job’s discourse on wisdom. It begins with the phrase “And unto man he said,” indicating that the words that follow are a divine proclamation. Here, God addresses humanity and provides two essential principles:

• “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom”: The fear of the Lord is often mentioned throughout the Bible as a key aspect of wisdom. This fear is not a terror or dread of God but rather a reverential awe and respect for Him. It involves recognizing God’s greatness, holiness, and authority. True wisdom starts with acknowledging God as the source of all knowledge and understanding. It is the foundation upon which a person builds a righteous and godly life.
• “And to depart from evil is understanding”: Understanding, in this context, refers to discernment and practical wisdom in making moral choices. It involves not only knowing what is right but also actively choosing to turn away from evil. Departing from evil demonstrates a genuine understanding of the consequences of sinful actions and the desire to align one’s life with God’s will. It is an application of wisdom in everyday life.

Together, these two principles encapsulate the essence of wisdom and understanding. They remind us that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or philosophical insight but a deeply rooted reverence for God and a commitment to living according to His principles.

Job 28 as a whole speaks of the preciousness and inaccessibility of wisdom. It uses vivid imagery to describe the lengths humanity goes to in searching for precious resources like gold, silver, and precious gems, which are hidden in the earth. Yet, despite humanity’s ability to extract such valuable materials from the earth, true wisdom is not found by human effort alone. It cannot be obtained through intellectual pursuits or human achievements. Wisdom ultimately comes from God and is bestowed upon those who fear Him and choose to walk in His ways.